Job Description & Qualifications
Position Summary
The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) for Sepsis serves as the clinical expert and nursing leader responsible for advancing sepsis prevention, early identification, evidence-based management, and quality outcomes across the organization. This role collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to improve clinical practice, enhance nursing competency, and promote proactive strategies that reduce the incidence and severity of sepsis.
The CNS utilizes advanced clinical knowledge, data analytics, performance improvement methodologies, and educational expertise to support frontline staff and providers in delivering timely, evidence-based care. Working across inpatient settings, with a strong focus on medical-surgical populations, the CNS drives initiatives aimed at identifying patients at risk, mitigating progression of disease, improving bundle compliance, and reducing sepsis-related morbidity and mortality.
What You Will Do
- Initiates and maintains positive relationships w/pts/customers (10%)
- Initiates and maintains positive relationships w/co-workers (10%)
- Takes responsibility for self-development and supports a learning environment (10%)
- Displays commitment to the mission of the hospital and its values (10%)
- Performs patient assessment and assigns diagnosis based on recorded assessment data and current scientific and current research (20%)
- Establishes plan of care and implements interventions in accordance w/carepaths, protocols, and standards of care and current research (15%)
- Collaborates w/other health care providers in an interdisciplinary approach to provide care to the patient and family (5%)
- Contributes to the educational development of staff, patients, family and self (5%)
- Demonstrates progressive leadership and effective management (5%)
- Provides education through role modeling and in-services to meet identified learning needs and to promote professionalism (5%)
- Advances own professional development through self-directed learning, continuing education and participation in peer review (5%)
Additional Responsibilities
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
- For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.
- Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.
Education
- (MSN) Master’s Degree in Nursing (Required)
Work Experience
- 1+ years (Preferred)
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Demonstrated leadership skills. (Required proficiency)
- Demonstrated skills in interpersonal relationships. (Required proficiency)
- Demonstrate entry level proficiency/ competency (Required proficiency)
- Must have computer skills to access patient medical data from UHHS mainframe. (Required proficiency)
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook. (Required proficiency)
Licenses and Certifications
- Registered Nurse (RN), Ohio and/or Multi State Compact License (Required Upon Hire)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) (Required)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) (Required)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) (Preferred)
- Current APRN License (Required)
Physical Demands
- Standing Frequently
- Walking Frequently
- Sitting Rarely
- Lifting Frequently up to 50 lbs
- Carrying Frequently up to 50 lbs
- Pushing Frequently up to 50 lbs
- Pulling Frequently up to 50 lbs
- Climbing Occasionally up to 50 lbs
- Balancing Occasionally
- Stooping Frequently
- Kneeling Frequently
- Crouching Frequently
- Crawling Occasionally
- Reaching Frequently
- Handling Frequently
- Grasping Frequently
- Feeling Constantly
- Talking Constantly
- Hearing Constantly
- Repetitive Motions Constantly
- Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Constantly
Travel Requirements
- 10%
Additional Salary Detail:
The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of posting of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future. When determining a team member’s base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., location, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, union negotiated contracts, budget and internal equity). This figure does not include, unless otherwise stated incentive pay or shift differential pay or the value of University Hospitals’ comprehensive benefits package, which includes healthcare, dental, vision, retirement plan options, and additional offerings. Click here to view complete wellness and benefits details.
For over 150 years, University Hospitals has been dedicated to our mission To Heal. To Teach. To Discover. Starting as a small Cleveland hospital in 1866, UH has grown into 18 hospitals and 40 health centers, serving 1 million people annually.
UH delivers exceptional care, advances medical innovation, and trains future healthcare leaders. Now, you have the opportunity to add your talents to this legacy of care. At UH, you’ll join a collaborative team in an inspiring environment where your skills and ideas will be valued. Together, we can continue to shape the future of healthcare and deliver on the promise of our mission for generations to come.
Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans and individuals with disabilities.

UH Cleveland Medical Center
UH Cleveland Medical Center is University Hospitals’ flagship academic medical center. With more than 1,000 registered beds, UH Cleveland Medical Center provides primary, specialty and subspecialty medical and surgical care in the heart of Cleveland’s University Circle.
We want you to make a career with us and we are here to support you – both in and out of work. Our comprehensive benefits program offers choice and flexibility to meet you where you are in your life.
- Medical Plans
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plan
- Paid Short and Long Term Disability
- Life and Account Insurance
- Additional Voluntary Benefits
- Wellness Programs and Plans
- Financial Health Resources
- Career Development Resources
- And More!
*Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type.
View complete wellness and benefits details on our Why Choose Us page.

We want you to make a career with us and we are here to support you – both in and out of work. Our comprehensive benefits program offers choice and flexibility to meet you where you are in your life.
- Medical Plans
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plan
- Paid Short and Long Term Disability
- Life and Account Insurance
- Additional Voluntary Benefits
- Wellness Programs and Plans
- Financial Health Resources
- Career Development Resources
- And More!
*Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type.


Working at University Hospitals
Careers at UH offers opportunities to provide care locally in the Cleveland area with the power to impact healthcare nationwide. As leaders in our industry, our staff share a commitment to be the difference in the lives of our patients and our communities from Northeast Ohio and beyond. Look at this video to discover how we’re building an organization for the future today.
Nightshift Module
Night shift provides a unique and rewarding opportunity for caregivers who thrive in a close-knit, supportive environment. With fewer distractions and a calmer atmosphere, you’ll have the chance to foster meaningful relationships with both colleagues and patients. The quieter pace allows for more in-depth patient connections, greater autonomy, and the opportunity to refine your skills. Whether it’s the flexibility to fit your lifestyle, the teamwork and problem-solving that come with a close-knit team, or the financial benefits of shift differential pay, night shift offers a space where you can grow both personally and professionally. If you excel in a late-night environment and appreciate the independence and collaboration it offers, our night shift team is the perfect fit for you!
Hear from our team about why they enjoy working the night shift and how it has shaped their careers.
Sara H.
Multi Modality
I like nightshift because the smaller staff helps me build connections and friendships with the staff around me. Helping us to better communicate without any issues, including doctors. I can work independently, keeping my thinking skills sharp. Even when it is quiet, it is never boring.










